2 rookie cops to face admin, criminal raps for gun-toting

LINGAYEN -- Two neophyte policemen are facing possible administrative and criminal charges for allegedly pointing their guns at three persons at a disco bar in Dagupan City.

The rookie policemen were identified as Police Officer 1s Nelson Cayetano and Ralph Kenneth Sta. Maria, both assigned at the Regional Public Safety Battalion of the Police Regional Office 1 in San Fernando City, La Union.

Pangasinan Police Provincial Office officer-in-charge Mariano Luis Verzosa Jr. said the two policemen are due for download to the provincial command from the regional police office.

Verzosa said his office is set to file administrative case against the two while the victims are to file criminal cases.

Based on the report of Dagupan City Police Chief Romeo Caramat Jr. to the provincial command, the alleged gun-pointing incident transpired last August 18 around 1:45 a.m. at the Music Warehouse located at Perez Boulevard.

The two policemen, who were with Rusken Jeffderson Sta. Maria, 27, believed to a brother of PO1 Sta. Maria, pointed their guns at Alvin Gregorio, Joselito Crisostomo and Christian Dizon, who were also customers of the bar.

Initial investigation revealed that while the two complainants were dancing, Jeffderson allegedly elbowed Gregorio. Crisostomo tried to interfere but he was allegedly boxed by Jeffderson.

During the ensuing commotion, the complainants claimed Cayetano pointed a .45 caliber gun at their direction.

Upon verification by authorities, the gun was issued to Cayetano's colleague, Sta. Maria.

Verzosa said the misdemeanor of the two policemen showed that they are not fit to be members of the Philippine National Police.

The official said he has received already the transfer order of the two erring policemen but they have not reported yet to his office. (Sunnex)